An official looks on during the UEFA Europa League last 16 second leg football match between Manchester United and Linzer ASK at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on August 5, 2020. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester United will be aiming to secure the top spot in their Europa League Group E when they travel to Spain to play Real Sociedad in their final game.
Erik ten Hag’s side currently occupy the second position in Group E with 12 points, three points behind table toppers Real Sociedad, who have enjoyed an unblemished Europa League campaign so far. As Real Sociedad beat Man United 1-0 at Old Trafford, Ten Hag’s men must secure a two-goal margin win to ensure they top the group and avoid a playoff tie in the competition.
The Red Devils head to Estadio Anoeta on Thursday off the back of a crucial 1-0 win over West Ham in the Premier League at the weekend.
Manchester United have received a timely injury boost ahead of their Europa League clash with Real Sociedad with Anthony Martial returning to first-team training on Monday morning. If deemed fit enough, Martial could be in the travelling Man United squad.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka was again not involved against West Ham on Sunday, although the right-back returned to training last week. Victor Lindelof and Antony missed the weekend win over West Ham with illness and a knock, respectively, but the duo is expected to recover in time for the clash in Spain.
Goalkeeper
David de Gea was outstanding in goal against West Ham, producing three quality saves to hand Man United three crucial points in the Premier League. He should be brimming with confidence ahead of the Europa League clash with Real Sociedad.
Defence
In Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof’s absence, Harry Maguire made his first start after returning from injury and helped his side keep a clean sheet in the 1-0 win over West Ham. He is set to start again, partnering Lisandro Martinez at the heart of the backline in the Man United lineup on Thursday.
Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw were outstanding against West Ham, both defensively and going forward, and the duo must retain its spot in the full-back department in the Man United lineup.
Midfield
Casemiro’s experience and mentality in big games will come in handy. He will reprise his No.6 role, protecting the United backline and allowing Christian Eriksen the license to join in attacks as much as possible.
Bruno Fernandes is almost certain to operate in the No.10 role in the Man United lineup, hoping to make a difference against Sociedad with his incisive passing and vision. The likes of Fred, Scott McTominay and Donny Van de Beek will be good midfield options to have on the bench for Ten Hag.
Attack
Marcus Rashford scored his 100th goal for Man United on Sunday, thumping a bullet header home against West Ham. He is playing with a lot of confidence at the moment and deserves to keep his place on the left flank in the Man United lineup, with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the line again for the Red Devils.
Antony missed the last game with a minor injury but Ten Hag seemed confident that the Brazilian will be back in the squad on Thursday. He is expected to start on the right flank, but if Antony fails to make it, Jadon Sancho could be an option.
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